ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Around 80% of people suffer from another mental condition like anxiety. Certain ADHD medications, like stimulants, can reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Talk to a psychiatrist in order to obtain an assessment and treatment plan. It may take a while and some trial and error to figure out which medication and dosage is the best for you.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps manage executive and attentional functions. These are typically the first prescribed treatment for people with ADHD, and they can also be employed to treat coexisting anxiety symptoms. The drugs can trigger a variety of adverse effects ranging from mild stimulation to euphoria depending on the dosage and drug.
Many people with ADHD report anxiety as a side effect of stimulant medications. Anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate and disrupt sleep. It can also trigger physical symptoms, like muscle tension or sweating, which can affect a person’s mood. In addition, stimulants may increase blood pressure and heart rate. If the side effects are a problem the doctor could decide to decrease the dosage or switch to another medication.
It's important to talk to an expert about the way in which ADHD and anxiety medications affect each other. There are ways to lessen the effects of both conditions on each other, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise. In some cases the doctor might recommend non-stimulant medications or combination treatments, including non-stimulants and therapy.
ADHD isn't treated similarly to medications that are used to treat anxiety disorders. That's because anxiety and attention problems can have different root causes. does adhd medication work might utilize antidepressants to treat anxiety and ADHD combination medications like atomoxetine or viloxazine to treat ADHD. In general, a doctor will focus on the condition that has a greater impact on the person's day-to-day functioning, says Streeter.
Lifestyle changes can improve a person's internal environment, which can ease anxiety and other symptoms. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, for example, can decrease depression and anxiety. Regular exercise, good sleep habits, and avoiding sugar and caffeine can also aid. Mindfulness and reducing stress can be beneficial as well. Some people who suffer with anxiety can benefit from tapping techniques such as EFT or the Emotional Free Technique. The technique involves placing your fingertips on certain points on the body to relieve anxiety and stress. Other methods that are natural include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.